Better Than A Pendant Lamp: The Ethereal Mood Lighting To Add To Your Bathtub

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The atmosphere around your bathtub might not be awe-inspiring. Your bathroom doesn't exactly need to resemble the halls of Versailles, but you'd probably enjoy the space more — and maybe even spend more leisure time there — if it were better designed. Updating the lighting is one of the easiest changes you can make to your bathroom to make your tub time more enjoyable. Many bathrooms have oppressive overhead lighting, which makes it very hard to relax in a bath and prepare for bed at the end of a long day. A lot of bathroom designs go wrong with pendant lamps, which are often just too bright or simply boring. You can remedy this problem quickly with string lights. The cozy, warm lighting they provide will improve any bathroom.

String lights are convenient because all you need is an outlet or a pack of AA batteries to set them up. You don't need to install a light fixture to the wall or ceiling, and you don't need space for a lamp stand. Unlike candles, you don't have to worry about string lights catching your house on fire if you forget to turn them off or fall asleep in the tub. You can turn off the overhead lights and plug in the string lights to enjoy some low light.

You do need to take safety precautions when working with electricity in a bathroom, of course. Like with your bathroom electrical accessories or appliances, you'll have to make sure string lights — especially those plugged into an outlet — don't get wet or electrify the water in your tub. The best way to avoid this is to keep your string lights several feet from the tub. That also means that string lights shouldn't ever be hanging over the tub.

One of the best ways to update ordinary string lights for a more stylish, modern look is to hang them across the ceiling. Simply attach adhesive hooks to the ceiling and string your lights through them. If you really want to get creative, you can paint the ceiling blue and glue cotton balls to it so you'll see a cloudy sky when you look up. Just make sure they won't land in the tub if they fall. Also, don't wrap your string lights around your curtain rack, because it could bunch up or come loose and fall in the tub.

To start this project, you'll need a 10-pack of Command Medium Clear Wire Hooks, which will hold your string lights in place. Then you'll need a pack of 16-foot EXF LED String Lights, which are waterproof. Since regular battery-powered lights are low voltage, they are far safer than lights that plug into an outlet. Battery fluid can leak into the tub and irritate your skin, though, so make sure to keep them out of the water. You can dress up these fairy lights with a romantic garden aesthetic by intertwining the wire with Apeair Ivy Garland, which sells for $23. Simply peel the plastic off each strip, attach them to the wall, and then hang the string. Finally, use clear tape to secure the battery pack to the wall. You can also run your string lights along a windowsill or shelf. 

If your bathroom window overlooks your yard, you can make a charming view with outdoor string lights. You can brighten the area with Amazon's string lights that stand up to any weather. This can be an intimidating task, especially if you have to climb a ladder to hang the lights from a tree or gutter. The easiest way to hang string lights all across your yard is to string them across light poles.

Maybe you want something a little more stable than string lights. Fear not, there are a plethora of options. For instance, you can put sconces on your wall and dim the light with lampshades. As long as the overhead lighting and the sconce lighting aren't connected to the same switch, you can turn on one or the other, or both.

If your ceiling is high enough, you can even hang a chandelier. Try searching for a vintage one at your local thrift store to give your bathroom a classic look. Make sure the wires on your old chandelier aren't frayed; otherwise, they could start a fire. If you want to serve two functions at once, you can purchase a $46 Gospire Wall-Mounted Magnifying Mirror, which attaches to the wall and emits a small light.

You can also hire a carpenter to install recessed lighting. Place a yellow bulb inside, and the warm, directed light will allow you to see the page of your book while you're lounging in the tub without shocking your system.